2015 MotoGP Thread

[Rob]

Rossi shares his views on the dramatic incident between him & Marquez at the Malaysian GP.
Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi addressed the world’s media after meeting with Race Direction to explain his views on the clash with Marc Marquez during the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix:

Marc Marquez said you took your leg off and kicked him, was it a case of red mist?
“No Marquez knows that is not true, because it is very clear from the image, especially from the helicopter that I don’t want to make him crash. I just want to make him lose time and go out of the line and slow down because also this time, a lot worse than in Australia, he make his dirty game no? When I go wide, wide, wide, I slow down, we almost stop and I look at him to say, “****, what the **** are you doing?”

After we touch and he touched with his handlebar on the right on my leg, and I lose the foot from the foot peg, but if you look at the image from the helicopter it is clear that when I lose the foot from the footrest Marquez had already crashed. So I don’t want to kick him. Also if you give a kick to a MotoGP™ bike, it don’t crash. It is not that you kick the bike; it is very heavy, like this, and he crash. But unfortunately we touched; he wanted to turn because I go very wide and I fell his handlebar on my leg her, on my thigh and I lose the leg on the foot peg. It is like this.”

What is your opinion on the sanction you have been handed?
“For me is not fair, also because like this, Marquez win his fight! His program is okay because he made me lose the championship. Especially for me the sanction is not good because I don’t want to make him crash purposefully, I just reacted to his behaviour. I didn’t kick him and I didn’t want to make him crash.

But you know, you don’t say nothing in the press Conference, maybe change something. But for me this is unfair; as I just want to fight for the championship with Jorge and the better man win. Like this it doesn’t happen.”

Is there anything that you regret?
“I don’t know, I don’t want to make him crash, but I had to try to do something. At that moment Jorge was already gone, but I’ve said everything.”

Do you think the Championship is over?
“It is not over, but this sanction cut my leg and make Marquez win.”

[Ste]

I don't think Rossi is fully to blame for the incident on Sunday, but he certainly dug himself a hole by starting a needless and very strange war in the Thursday press conference.

It is pretty obvious Marquez rode harder and on - almost over - the limit of what should be deemed safe and acceptable riding. Some of the 'moves' he put on Rossi were ones that would never normally have been made, and while they stuck, I think they felt a bit too close for comfort. Right before the accident, the way he chopped across Rossi's front wheel made me tense up, waiting for Rossi to hit the deck. There were a number of moments similar to this, that led up to Rossi doing what he did.

I don't condone what Rossi did in any way, even slowing down to make a point seemed childish and stupid but at the same time, I can see where he was coming from.

I also feel that Rossi didn't mean to make Marquez fall. However annoyed he was, I do not believe he wanted him take him out. It's quite tough to see what actually happened from the video, but having watched every angle multiple times, and lots of slow-mo footage, I have come to the conclusion that Marc's head hit Rossi's leg and flicked his leg off the footpeg and onto Marc's handlebars - which is exactly what Rossi said had happened.

Rossi also stated that kicking a motorbike across that plane would do nothing and I am also in agreement with that - how would a kick to a motorbike that is leant into the kick, cause it to fall over? It wouldn't. And 'kick' is vastly overstating what the movement was anyway. There was no space to 'kick' Marquez.

I think Rossi's statement saying he might not compete in Valencia is out of frustration; I don't believe for a second that he won't take part. I think he feels regret with his actions, both on Thursday and Sunday. Most of all, I think he is annoyed at how his reputation and legacy (as well as his riding) have been brought into question with a situation he feels he isn't entirely to blame for.

[DJTaurus]

Vettel: Rossi did the right thing

Valentino Rossi Appeals Sepang Penalty To CAS, Asks For Suspension Of Penalty At Valencia

Rossi was right.... Marquez was holding him back... just hear his engine. A DISCRACE for the Sport.
http://www.ilgiornale.it/video/sport...e-1188215.html

[Rob]

Just think its funny that on a power track that suits Honda, Dani rode away at the front, had no trouble getting past the Yamaha but Marq "struggled" to pull away form Vale. Theres people who think he was deliberately going slowly to back Vale into the rider behind, cannt rememeber who. And to help Jorge take the title. He should of had no reason to fight Vale, its a title fight between Vale and Jorge, its an unwritten rule in motorsport, you do not interfere with the drivers/riders in a title fight and influence the result. He had no reason to do that. Yes, Vale should of said what he did in the conference, another thing, Marq "went down" rather to easy. We all seen him, he can safe a bike from angles he should of fell off. To me, on the slowest part of the track, he "dived".

[Cp6uH]

[killer]

Very poor from Lorenzo coming out in support of Marquez. He could have kept quiet.

[Rob]

Jorge Lorenzo denied intervention in Valentino Rossi MotoGP appeal


Tuesday, November 3rd 2015, 19:37 GMT

Jorge Lorenzo has been denied the opportunity to contribute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's review of Valentino Rossi's penalty for the MotoGP finale at Valencia.

Rossi took his case to the CAS after his appeal to motorcycling's governing body the FIM was rejected following his punishment for causing a collision with Marc Marquez at Sepang.

Lorenzo, who trails Yamaha team-mate Rossi by seven points heading to Valencia, said the penalty of Rossi being put to the back of the grid for the last race, but retaining his points for finishing third in Malaysia, was "unfair".

On Monday lawyers for Lorenzo filed a request for intervention in order to be able to participate in the review of Rossi's case, but the CAS rejected that request on Tuesday.

In a statement the CAS said: "The case will continue between Valentino Rossi and the FIM only.

"The decision on Mr Rossi's request to stay the execution of the FIM stewards' decision is still expected to be issued no later than [Friday] November 6 2015."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121644

[Stormy]

So CAS are something like an approved international sports court? If they decide in favor of Rossi will MotoGP respect their decision?

Inter in support of Rossi.
https://twitter.com/Inter_en?ref_src...Ctwgr%5Eauthor

[killer]

Jorge Lorenzo denied intervention in Valentino Rossi MotoGP appeal


Tuesday, November 3rd 2015, 19:37 GMT

Jorge Lorenzo has been denied the opportunity to contribute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's review of Valentino Rossi's penalty for the MotoGP finale at Valencia.

Rossi took his case to the CAS after his appeal to motorcycling's governing body the FIM was rejected following his punishment for causing a collision with Marc Marquez at Sepang.

Lorenzo, who trails Yamaha team-mate Rossi by seven points heading to Valencia, said the penalty of Rossi being put to the back of the grid for the last race, but retaining his points for finishing third in Malaysia, was "unfair".

On Monday lawyers for Lorenzo filed a request for intervention in order to be able to participate in the review of Rossi's case, but the CAS rejected that request on Tuesday.

In a statement the CAS said: "The case will continue between Valentino Rossi and the FIM only.

"The decision on Mr Rossi's request to stay the execution of the FIM stewards' decision is still expected to be issued no later than [Friday] November 6 2015."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121644

It's gonna be tough, but I really hope Vale beats Lorenzo into a Yamaha exit come Valencia.

Very, very poor from Jorge. Bosses at Yamaha can't keep him in check?

[Stormy]

And the decision from CAS came in. CAS needs a couple of months in order to make a decision, so that means Rossi will start from last place. Oh well, better luck next year Rossi.

[Rob]

MotoGP chiefs warn of changes for 2016 after Rossi/Marquez clash

MotoGP riders have been warned there will be "changes" in 2016 to prevent a repeat of the controversy that erupted following Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez's Sepang clash.

In an extraordinary meeting ahead of this weekend's Valencia Grand Prix with the entire 2015 field and all team managers, FIM president Vito Ippolito and Dorna chief Carmelo Ezpeleta urged the riders to carefully consider their actions both on track and off it in the wake of the Rossi/Marquez furore.

Prior to the collision between the two riders at Sepang, Rossi had publicly accused Marquez of trying to hamper his title bid in the previous event at Phillip Island.

The fallout from the clash and Rossi's consequent penalty has polarised MotoGP's fanbase, and included further controversies such as an altercation involving an Italian television crew at Marquez's house.

Ippolito and Ezpeleta - who make up MotoGP's 'permanent bureau' - said events had "surpassed the limits of a healthy passion and, on occasions, logic itself".

Their address to the meeting added: "We would like to emphasise that for next year, some changes will be made to prevent this from happening again.

"We also want to remind you of the values of our sport: exemplarity, fair play, sportsmanship and courtesy.

"Our officials will be vigilant in observing the fair play and sporting behaviour of every one of you and will be very strict with any infringement of our sporting rules."

The series chiefs underlined that riders should remember their positions as role models.

"You have millions of followers all around the world," they said.

"They watch and admire your achievements on the track. And they also listen closely to what you say.

"What you do and say could have consequences that are not in keeping with the noble values of our sport."

Rossi will start from the back of the grid at Valencia as the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected his bid for a stay of execution over the penalty he was given for the clash with Marquez.

He goes into the title-decider with a seven-point lead over rival and Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

THE PERMANENT BUREAU'S ADDRESS IN FULL:

First and foremost, sport must prevail. This Sunday is the last race of the year, and it is sport that needs to win.

We are proud of the magnificent races you have given us this year. They continue to foster interest in our championship all around the world. We also want to thank you for that.

Over the past days, there have unfortunately been some controversies that have surpassed the limits of a healthy passion and, on occasions, logic itself. You have millions of followers all around the world. They watch and admire your achievements on the track. And they also listen closely to what you say.

What you do and say could have consequences that are not in keeping with the noble values of our sport.

In the name of the Permanent Bureau, the FIM and the promoter, Dorna, I would like to remind you that we are the only sporting organisation in the world that draws up its regulations for one of its flagship Championships with the agreement of all parties.

That is the role of the Grand Prix Commission, where the FIM, Dorna, MSMA and IRTA are all represented. We know that the rules can always be improved, and having said that, I repeat that every change will be made with the consent of those concerned.

Marc Marquez, Honda, races Valentino Rossi, Yamaha, Sepang MotoGP 2015
In addition to the GP Commission, we have also set up the Safety Commission, in which riders are consulted on a regular basis about safety issues. Here too we are pioneers in the world of motorsport.

Once again, we want you to be aware that we intend to pursue our policy of keeping the doors open in order to hear your opinions and to allow you to contribute to making this great championship even better. We would like to emphasise, that for next year, some changes will be made to prevent this from happening again.

We also want to remind you of the values of our sport: exemplarity, fair play, sportsmanship and courtesy. Our officials will be vigilant in observing the fair play and sporting behaviour of every one of you and will be very strict with any infringement of our sporting rules.

We must remember that we organise and practise sport at the professional level, not only because it is entertaining and extraordinary but also to showcase the values we believe in. The next race will be broadcast live and followed by a very large number of spectators.

We therefore have ahead of us a golden opportunity to demonstrate to the world the highest values of our sport, and in so doing, to set a great example. We would also like to assure everybody that this weekend we will pay even more attention to what occurs on the track for the benefit of the sport.

Thank you all and have a good race!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121670

[Rob]

Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa all spoke to the world’s media ahead of the Valencia GP.
The sold out Comunitat Valenciana - Ricardo Tormo circuit has played host to a number of dramatic end of season finale’s in the past, but surely the final round of the 2015 MotoGP™ season has to be one of the most anticipated races in the history of the World Championship. For all of the permutations that will result in either Rossi or Lorenzo becoming champion, check out our handy interactive guide.

The Valencia GP saw the traditional Pre-Event press conference cancelled to allow the Permanent Bureau of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship to address the entire MotoGP™ field after the incident in Sepang. With this in mind, Movistar Yamaha teammates and title rivals Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, along with Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez, all spoke individually to journalists after the meeting.

Rossi found out his appeal for a stay of execution on his Sepang penalty had been denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport before he addressed the media. This means that the ‘Doctor’ still holds a seven-point lead over his rival Lorenzo, but will have to start from the back of the grid come Sunday’s race: “Yes, unfortunately starting from the back of the grid makes everything very difficult. Already it’s difficult but starting from last make the things in the race a lot harder. But you know I’m here and we have to try the maximum and stay concentrated to try to make a good job during the weekend to arrive as fast as possible for the race. Then start and see what happens.”

The ‘Doctor’ also discussed if the incident and its fallout has affected his plans for next season: “This situation doesn’t modify my passion or my thinking for the future. I will race next year because I have a contract and during next year a lot of things will change, maybe the level too. After I will decide to continue or not.”

Lorenzo arrives at Valencia on the back of four consecutive podiums and boosted by the news that Rossi’s penalty will be upheld. The two-time MotoGP™ World Champion admits though it is now time for all of the talking to stop and for him to get focused on Sunday’s race if he is to lift his third title: “Well we have to respect the decision that they decided. To be honest I arrived here with the thinking to just focus on the weekend, which is an important thing for me. I don’t want to speak about anything else apart from what can happen in the future on the track. I look forward to tomorrow and Friday. About the past, I just want to say that it was a mistake the gesture I made on the podium, I regret that and I want to say sorry to the people who watched this on TV because it’s not a sporting example, especially for young people around the world. Sorry for this gesture. Apart from this I don’t have anything else to say, other than concentrating on the weekend.”

Lorenzo also responded to rumours about a rift within his team: “My intention is to continue with Yamaha forever, not only till I retire but also later. This is staying in my mind. Naturally all marriages have some moments of disagreement but our relationship in the future will be the same. Valentino and myself form one of the best teams in the world.”

Marquez has already secured third in the Championship standings and says he wants to put the last two weeks behind him, with his aim at the Valencian GP to simply try and achieve his sixth win of the season: “Honestly it has been one of the most difficult weeks of my life, especially after Malaysia. I try to forget and concentrate to prepare for the last race and honestly it wasn’t possible to prepare in a normal way. Like everyone knows it was difficult, but ok now I’m here and with my second family; my team. This helps me a lot to prepare for the weekend and try to finish the season well. Try to fight for victory or the podium like every weekend.”

The double MotoGP™ World Champion also talked about what the 2015 season has taught him: “What I learned is sometimes a third or fourth is good for the championship. I also learned that during the season is very long and we didn’t start so well. The biggest mistake for us was the first six races and I tried to be there when the bike wasn’t perfect. Maybe in those races if we had managed the situation better, since Assen I was competitive. From Assen I could fight for the title. The first six races showed the championship is long.”

Pedrosa is the man in form having won two of the last three races and has an excellent record at Valencia with three MotoGP™ victories to his name. Despite winning the Malaysian GP, the Spaniard admitted he is not bothered by the fact his victory played second fiddle to the furore around the #SepangClash: “I’m not really racing for getting all the attention of people, I race because I like it and I like to win. I like these feelings and these emotions when I win. Sure it was less in the press about my victory than the action on track, but my emotions were the same! Super happy for it. I’m happy because I stuck to my attitude and values, I always want to do the things the way I feel and it is nice people recognise that.”

[Rob]

The CAS dismisses request by Valentino Rossi for stay of execution of FIM Stewards’ decision.
On 4 November 2015, a preliminary hearing was held at the headquarters of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne in the matter Valentino Rossi v. the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme. The FIM was represented by its Legal Director, Mr Richard Perret.

Following the hearing, the CAS issued an Order dismissing the application for a stay filed by Mr Rossi concerning the decision rendered on 25 October 2015 by the FIM Stewards.

The CAS ruling on the request for stay of execution does not prejudge the final award on the merits of the case.

In appealing to the CAS against the decision of the FIM Stewards, Mr Rossi seeks annulment or modification of the FIM Stewards’ decision taken at the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix in Sepang, in which the FIM Stewards confirmed the 3 penalty points awarded by the Race Direction to Mr Rossi following an incident on Turn 14.

The FIM takes note of the ruling of the CAS.

As a consequence of this ruling, at the Gran Premi de la Comunitat Valenciana, last race of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix, Mr Rossi will start from the last position on the Grid.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/1...y-rossi/188894

[Rishu]

It seems Marquez has pace but is not willing to pass Lorenzo

[Rishu]

Disappointing to see championship decided this way. Lorenzo did hell of a job but this was Rossi's title

[tifosi1993]

Marquez is a disgrace for the sport, not only he didn't pass Lorenzo but didn't allow his team-mate do it too. Spent entire race being Lorenzo's *** plug.

Absolutely gutted for VR46.

[DJTaurus]

Marquez managed to become even more hated than Lorenzo. A disgrace to all Motorsport drivers. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v...type=2&theater

[TigerKing]

I'm a Marquez fan and i hate Lorenzo with a burning passion but this seems very fishy. I don't understand how could Marquez allow Lorenzo win just because he is Spanish. Lorenzo is a total jerk and Valentino can reach legendary status (he's already very old). I am very disappointed at Marquez.

[Rob]

I'm a Marquez fan and i hate Lorenzo with a burning passion but this seems very fishy. I don't understand how could Marquez allow Lorenzo win just because he is Spanish. Lorenzo is a total jerk and Valentino can reach legendary status (he's already very old). I am very disappointed at Marquez.

think this may been Vales last year to clinch a 10th title. There only so much the body can take, especially getting older, the body finds i hard to recover quickly. Anyway, started watching the highlights of Valencia race, Marquez could of overtook Jorge anytime he wanted, but sat there, look how quick he ducked under Dani at the start..

[Rob]

Honda's Marc Marquez finishes MotoGP test on top, despite falling

Marc Marquez once again recovered from a crash to post the quickest time on the second and final day of the MotoGP post-season test at Valencia.

The Honda rider went down at the final corner during the afternoon but was quickly back out on track and on top of the times with a 1m31.060s, which was almost half a second faster than he went on Tuesday.

He demoted Maverick Vinales to second, the Suzuki rider having spent a brief period on top after dethroning Marquez's team-mate Dani Pedrosa.

Vinales soon joined Marquez and several other riders in crashing as the field continues to try to get to grips with the new Michelin tyres that will be used in 2016.

Aleix Espargaro completed a good day for Suzuki with fourth place behind Pedrosa.

World champion Jorge Lorenzo took fifth while Cal Crutchlow came back from a high-speed crash at Turn 1 late in the day to split the factory Yamahas and relegate Valentino Rossi to seventh.

Tech 3 Yamaha's Pol Espargaro was eighth, having set the same time as Andrea Iannone on the top Ducati, while Bradley Smith rounded out the top 10.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121746